Monthly Archives: October 2016

It’s been simmering since August, but with 10 weeks to go, before Halloween is even over, the Christmas shop displays are doubling in size, Christmas jingles are playing on the radio, and the big man himself is no doubt dusting off his suit as I write. But what about you? What Christmas type are you? Are you a ‘January Saler’, ‘Halloweener’ or ‘Christmas Ever’? Whatever your type, here are some tips to get you in the festive spirit, and some pointers to help you make the most of Christmas 2016 memories.

‘January Saler’

You’re super-organised, have all your presents bought and wrapped by the end of September, with some even purchased for a bargain price in the January 2016 sales. So now’s the time to take out your list, double check you’ve bought for everybody, and start planning some festive activities.

Take a look at local ‘what’s on’ pages for activities to get you in the Christmas mood like ice skating, pantomimes, or winter wonderlands. Perhaps you’ll also want to start looking at updating your Christmas look with some new decorations or furnishings. How about a Christmas photo cushion with a photo taken in Christmas 2015 to bring back those lovely memories?

‘Halloweener’

You’re pretty organised, but couldn’t possibly think about Christmas until the clocks have gone back and Halloween is done and dusted. Now’s the time to start making a list of people to buy presents for, think about what you’ll be doing on Christmas Day itself, and maybe plan a visit to a local Christmas market to get you in the mood and pick up some special presents.

You’ve also got time to think about having a personalised memory cushion or Christmas stocking made to give as a really special present for someone in your family. Or if you haven’t got any special clothes to make into a keepsake, have a look through the photos on your phone, there’s bound to be a super-cute one of your children just crying out to be made into a cushion for Grandma or Grandad.

‘Christmas Ever’

You’re a last minute panic-buyer, with a list as long as your arm, Christmas tunes ringing in your ears and one to many Christmas lunches to attend. There’s nothing wrong with this, there are many bargains to be had as the pre-Christmas sales start in mid December, and at least you’ll be feeling super-festive.

But perhaps this year you could think about the difficult to buy for people right now (yes, now, in October – how novel!). You know who they are, often ageing relatives, but perhaps also those children of family friends that just seem to have everything. How about a personalised door pendant for the child of a family friend, or a photo cushion with a favourite pet, place or person on for your brother, sister, Granny or Grandad?

Christmas memories

Whatever your Christmas type, and however you choose to spend Christmas, make sure you make the most of the special memories. I wrote a blog about this two years ago, so I’m not going to repeat my self again, but take a look and see if there’s a new Christmas tradition that you could think about introducing into your family.